Celebrating Human-made Soundtracks in Videogames

Recently, my wife wrote a phenomenal article addressing how AI is harmful to the videogame industry. While reading it, I had the urge to give a spotlight to the many fantastic soundtracks that I have come to love over the years, as it made me downright emotional to think that so many artists are being copied and hurt by this new technology. This birthed an idea: I will fight against it by highlighting all kinds of artists who have made my life better with their amazing craft, starting with music.

I will be linking to my favourite song of each title mentioned so that you can experience them, too. Now, join me in celebrating the music that has accompanied us through many epic tales, starting in no particular order with…

DARK SOULS III

Yuka Kitamura and Motoi Sakuraba were the main composers for the DARK SOULS franchise, though I only know their work from the only entry I've played (so far!). I didn't need more than that to understand the brilliance of their work, which I would notice despite the adrenaline-pumping battles against bosses and enemies.

One of the first things I noticed about DARK SOULS was, unsurprisingly, the OST. In fact, I knew it before I had ever set foot inside the game because my wife is an avid fan, and so I was exposed to it. When I arrived at the Abyss Watchers' door on my own save file, it's safe to say my stomach was aflutter with nerves and excitement; I was going to listen to the theme in-game for the first time ever.

This means that, yes, their song is my favourite. It is as heavy as it is stunning, especially when you learn about the boss' emotional backstory. Now, before we move on, I have a bonus to add, as it would be a sin not to also mention Alex Roe's mind-blowing remix of the theme!

Ori and the Blind Forest

Back in 2017, my wife and I were beginning to dip our toes into the massive sea that is the videogame industry, and one of the titles that stands out to me the most from back then is Ori and the Blind Forest. While it pains me to add it here because there have been some controversies regarding the development as a whole (and Moon Studios' recent controversies with No Rest for the Wicked), it doesn't reflect the ideals of every member.

For those who have never played the game, this emotional metroidvania tugs at players' heartstrings in many ways throughout the entire experience, and the soundtrack is just as impactful. From soft melodies that make you feel wrapped in love and exciting tunes that encompass the freedom and wonders of being a child to tension-filled epics, Gareth Coker really captured the ride.

It's worth mentioning that there were several collaborations throughout the soundtrack, including my personal favourite one. Aeralie Brighton, Rachel Mellis, and Tom Boyd appear credited, too!  

Hollow Knight

Ah, Hollow Knight… one of my all-time favourite titles. Who could've expected a game about a tiny bug living in a world plagued by light to be so emotionally destructive? No matter what part of the experience you look at, it is a masterpiece: the gloomy atmosphere, the chilling sound effects, the heartbreaking story... The bow on the gift box? The jaw-dropping soundtrack.

The best way I can describe Christopher Larkin's work is like Danny Elfman but adult; by that, I mean heavy, like the entire world is on your shoulders, and you can barely breathe under its weight. It's impactful, painful, and raw. And that's before you add the Sealed Vessel's guttural screams! If you want a taste of that emptiness, this is my favourite track… just prepare your heart.

World of Warcraft

While the list of soundtracks that impacted me in one way or another has grown longer ever since I really got into gaming, some of the very first tracks that took shelter in my heart were from World of Warcraft, my ex-biggest love. What was once a fantastic experience has dwindled into a shadow of its former self throughout the years (or maybe I became more aware of what it was really like), but booting up any of my favourite songs is still a one-way ticket to nostalgia and happiness.

As this is an MMORPG, the list of composers is about as long as the list of areas. I will name the ones who partook in my favourite tunes, but I highly recommend doing some research and finding the ones you click with if you're passionate about this topic. The themes I most enjoy have been composed by Tracy W. Bush, Derek Duke, Glenn Stafford, Russell Brower, Matt Uelmen, Neal Acree, and Jason Hayes, which is to say that my favourites are found mostly pre–Wrath of the Lich King.

As for my pick for this one… well, it was much tougher to find out this time, what with hours and hours of music. The challenge only worsened as I revisited the music because there is so much variety: spooky, peaceful, heroic, powerful, you name it; the list goes on and on! Worry not, though — in the end, I settled for Songs of Elune, a theme that mixes a lot of what makes the entire OST so special.

League of Legends

League of Legends… where to begin? The memorable character themes, the catchy K-pop, or the numerous magnificent collaborations with renowned artists? There is no mistaking why the community has wondered if Riot Games isn't a videogame company that happens to make tracks, but rather an incredibly successful music label that occasionally releases games to promote their singles.

Despite the competitive and "unga bunga"–like gameplay, League of Legends is actually rife with deep, well-written lore that unfolds on many levels. Look no further than Arcane: the much-anticipated and begged-for show that Riot Games actually ended up releasing. It was a massive hit, and among the reasons was the incredible soundtrack, which featured artists like Sting, Woodkid, and Imagine Dragons.

My wife and I have been playing League of Legends for over a decade, and I have been obsessed with their music to some degree at every era of it. That is to say that this is the hardest pool to choose a favourite from, and there is no way I could list the artists, either. To not end it on a cop-out, I will choose three to highlight: Blood Sweat and Tears, Still Here, and Enemy; I've linked each one to the cinematic so that you can watch it if you'd like to.

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There are, of course, many more amazing soundtracks, but the article has to end somewhere. I hope you found new composers and music to love, and perhaps we can make another step towards an AI-free world.